Early Determinants of Health and Disease
Healthy children and adolescents through science – for a better life
Early Determinants of Health and Disease
Healthy children and adolescents through science – for a better life
Background
Normal child development can be disrupted by a range of factors, depending on susceptibility, potentially leading to the development of diseases. The collective influence of all non-genetic internal and external factors on an individual is known as the exposome. The Early Determinants of Health and Disease research area investigates how the exposome affects the entire organism at different developmental stages.
Key aspects of research
To achieve its goals, this research area is divided into three main components:
- Assessment of exposures
- Identification of induced mechanisms and pathways
- Understanding determinants of health and variations in common diseases
To address the various aspects, we connect and integrate our specialized expertise on specific exposures and outcomes across DZKJ partner sites into a holistic approach. We will develop and apply precise tools for environmental assessment, biomarkers, and (epi)genetic links to track exposures and outcomes from (pre)conception through adolescence. These assessments will be combined with biomonitoring, clinical evaluation, and psychosocial assessments in large cohort studies.
To uncover mechanisms behind adverse health effects associated with environmental exposures, we will perform molecular profiling (such as multi-omics analysis) and experimental research using preclinical models (including cell culture, organoids, and animal models). By applying modeling approaches and machine learning, insights from epidemiological, environmental, mechanistic, as well as clinical research will be integrated to identify environmental determinants of common diseases based on individual predisposition. This will enable the identification of pediatric risk profiles for common childhood diseases and, thus, facilitate targeted, early interventions.
Objectives
During DZKJ’s development phase, the primary objective is to address emerging health risks stemming from the interaction of genetic predisposition and a changing environment. We aim to identify risk and resilience factors, as well as the mechanisms underlying common childhood diseases, enabling early detection and targeted intervention strategies.
